Body dysmorphic, << dihs MAWR fihk, >> disorder is a mental disorder in which individuals worry that something is wrong with their appearance, when in fact they look normal. Most people with the disorder, which is often called BDD, focus on an imagined or slight physical flaw. They may worry, for example, that their skin is scarred, their hair is thinning, or their nose is too large. When others tell them that they look fine, people with BDD find it difficult to believe them.
BDD differs from normal concerns about appearance in several ways. People with BDD think about their imagined or slight appearance flaw often throughout each day. In addition, their concerns cause significant distress—for example, anxiety or depression—or problems in daily functioning. People with BDD may have trouble concentrating on a job or schoolwork. The disorder often causes problems in personal relationships as well. Those with BDD may have few friends, avoid dating, miss school, and feel self-conscious in social situations. Some even commit suicide.
Most people with BDD perform certain behaviors excessively. Such behaviors include looking into mirrors, grooming themselves, comparing their appearance with that of others, or picking at their skin. Many try to hide their perceived defect with clothing or makeup.
BDD usually begins in adolescence. It often goes undiagnosed because those suffering from it feel too embarrassed or ashamed to reveal their condition.
Many people with BDD resort to surgery, dermatological procedures, or other types of nonpsychiatric treatment in an effort to correct their imagined defect. But these treatments usually fail to effectively treat the disorder. Treatments that do seem effective include cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of therapy attempts to stop repetitive behaviors associated with BDD to change the way people with the condition think about themselves, and to help them face the social situations they avoid. A class of antidepressant drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI’s or SSRI’s) are also effective. These drugs help regulate chemical imbalances in the central nervous system. See Antidepressant ; Serotonin .
